Infestation resistant reclosable seal

ABSTRACT

A container has a reclosable zipper seal. The zipper comprises a pair of interlocking sections attached to respective portions of the container. The interlocking sections are secured to portions of the container by an adhesive. No sewing is used to secure the interlocking sections to the sides of the container. The adhesive may provide a significant resistance to permeation by organisms or other contaminants. The adhesive sealing of the interlocking sections to the container may thus provide a significant resistance of the container to exogenous infestation. Alternatively, the interlocking sections may comprise a plastic material such that upon the interlocking sections being sewn to the container, the container may be appreciably resistant to exogenous infestation. Where a gusseted bag is used, portions of the gussets may be adhesively sealed, such as through external application of an adhesive or by applying heat to a heat-sealable outer ply of the bag.

BACKGROUND

Reclosable seals are used in a variety of applications, one examplebeing for sealing the opening of a bag. A variety of reclosable sealscurrently exist, but no one prior to the inventors has created or usedthe invention described in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims that particularly pointout and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals identify the same elements. The drawings and detaileddescription which follow are intended to be merely illustrative and arenot intended to limit the scope of the invention as set forth in theappended claims.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a bag having a reclosable seal.

FIG. 2 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of a tamper evidentreclosable seal.

FIG. 3 depicts perspective view of a bag having an alternative tamperevident reclosable seal.

FIG. 4 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternativetamper evident reclosable seal.

FIG. 5 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternativetamper evident reclosable seal.

FIG. 6 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of the tamper evidentreclosable seal of FIG. 5 after subsequent processing.

FIG. 7 depicts a transverse cross-sectional view of an alternativetamper evident reclosable seal.

FIG. 8 depicts a partial view of a slider and zipper interlockingsections having a tamper evidence device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description should not be used to limit the scope of thepresent invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, andadvantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following description, which includes by way ofillustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out theinvention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of otherdifferent and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention.Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded asillustrative in nature and not restrictive. It should therefore beunderstood that the inventors contemplate a variety of embodiments thatare not explicitly disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 depicts a bag (30) having a reclosable seal in the form of azipper (10). Bag (30) has a right side (32) and a left side (34).Similarly, zipper (10) has a right interlocking section (12) and a leftinterlocking section (14). Right interlocking section (12) of zipper(10) is secured to right side (32) of bag (30), while left interlockingsection (14) of zipper (10) is secured to left side (34) of bag (30). Inone embodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) comprise a pair ofprofiles. Other suitable interlocking sections (12, 14) will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art, including but not limited tozippers with metal teeth.

As used herein, terms such as “right,” “left,” “above,” “below,” and thelike are used simply to refer to the relative positioning of elements inthe drawings, and are not intended to be limiting in any way. While thepresent example includes a bag (30), it will be appreciated that zipper(10) or any other reclosable seal may be used on any other type ofcontainer or receptacle, including but not limited to envelopes,pouches, sacks, and the like. As used herein, the terms “container” and“receptacle” shall be read to include anything configured to hold andcontain an object or materials. To the extent that the container is abag, it will be appreciated that any type of bag may be used, includingbut not limited to gusseted, non-gusseted, paper, plastic,multi-laminate, woven polypropylene bags, and the like. In oneembodiment, the container comprises a bag (30) having a plurality oflayers, with at least one of the layers being a paper material, and atleast one other layer (e.g., the outer layer) being a heat-sealablematerial. Other suitable containers, materials, and configurations willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It will be appreciated that interlocking sections (12, 14) of zipper(10) may be secured to bag (30) in any suitable fashion. In oneembodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) are secured to bag (30) by apre-applied, heat-activated adhesive. Such adhesive may be activated byhot air, by hot rolling, or by any other suitable method. In anotherembodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) are secured to bag (30) by anepoxy bond. In this embodiment, a first compound is applied to eachinterlocking section (12, 14) and a second compound is applied to theportions of bag (30) that will ultimately come into contact withinterlocking sections (12, 14). The first and second compounds areconfigured such that, when joined together, the compounds form aphysical bond. Accordingly, a bond is formed when interlocking sections(12, 14) are placed in contact with the aforementioned portions of bag(30), thereby securing interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30).Alternatively, any other technique may be used to secure interlockingsections (12, 14) to bag (30), including but not limited toheat-sealing, stitching, adhesives, press-sealing, cold welding,pressure bonding, double-sided tape. Where interlocking sections (12,14) are stitched to bag (30), it will be appreciated that such stitchingmay include, by way of example only, sewing or ultrasonic stitching.Still other suitable techniques for securing interlocking sections (12,14) to bag (30) will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

It will be appreciated that the potential for infestation of bag (30) byinsects, larvae, or other undesirable organisms or materials is an issuethat may need to be addressed. In addition to the prospect of the merepresence of organisms and other contaminants in bag (30) beingundesirable, such organisms or other contaminants may adversely affectthe other contents of bag (30) (e.g., by eating the contents of bag(30)) or the bag (30) itself (e.g., by boring through bag (30)).Infestation may arise within bag (30) by organisms or contaminants thatare introduced into bag (30), such as during filling (“endogenousinfestation”). In addition, or alternatively, infestation may arise whenorganisms or contaminants penetrate bag (30), the interface between bag(30) and interlocking sections (12, 14), or elsewhere (“exogenousinfestation”). For instance, with some bags (30) where interlockingsections (12, 14) are secured to bag (30) by mere sewing, it may bepossible for organisms such as larvae to infest bag (30) by enteringthrough the interface between interlocking sections (12, 14) and bag(30). That is, the sewing of interlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30)may provide an insufficient seal at the interface of interlockingsections (12, 14) and bag (30), such that the interface providesundesirable permeability for exogenous infestation. Other features andcomponents of bag (30), including features relating to interlockingsections (12, 14), which may provide permeability for exogenousinfestation will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In one embodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) are secured to bag(30) with an adhesive to significantly reduce the likelihood of, if notprohibit, exogenous infestation at the interface between interlockingsections (12, 14) and bag (30). In addition, an adhesive is used to sealthe portions of gussets of bag (30) that are proximate to interlockingsections (12, 14). In this embodiment, no sewing is used to secureinterlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30). For this embodiment, anytype of adhesive may be used, including but not limited to an epoxy, aheat activated adhesive (e.g., as a heat sealable ply on bag (30)), apressure sensitive adhesive, a liquid adhesive, or any other type ofadhesive. It will be appreciated that the use of such adhesive,particularly where no sewing is used to secure interlocking sections(12, 14) to bag (30), may greatly reduce, if not eliminate altogether,the likelihood of exogenous infestation via the interface betweeninterlocking sections (12, 14) and bag (30).

In another embodiment, interlocking sections (12, 14) comprise a plasticmaterial, and are secured to bag (30) through sewing. For instance, eachinterlocking section (12, 14) may be sewn individually to bag (30).Alternatively, interlocking sections (12, 14) may both be sewn to bagsimultaneously (e.g., with the same thread). Other ways of sewinginterlocking sections (12, 14) to bag (30) will be apparent to those ofordinary skill in the art. It will be appreciated that, in thisembodiment, the resilience of the plastic material surrounding the sewnstitching thread may provide appreciable exogenous infestationresistance, such as by creating a relatively snug fit of interlockingsections (12, 14) about the sewn thread. In other words, the plasticmaterial of interlocking sections (12, 14) may provide better exogenousinfestation resistance than a bag (30) where interlocking sections aremade of a cloth or paper material. Of course, were interlocking sections(12, 14) are sewn or otherwise stitched or secured to bag, an additionaladhesive may be applied between each interlocking section (12, 14) andthe respective adjacent portions of bag (30). It will also beappreciated that, as in any other embodiment described herein, anadhesive may be used to seal the portions of the gussets of bag (30)that are proximate to interlocking sections (12, 14). For instance, andwithout limitation, an adhesive may be applied to the outside of thegussets to provide this seal. Alternatively, where bag (30) comprises aplurality of layers, with the outer layer being heat-sealable, heat maybe applied to gussets to provide the seal. It will be appreciated thatgusset portions may be sealed in a variety of alternative ways. It willalso be appreciated that resistance to exogenous infestation may beprovided in a variety of alternative ways, and to a variety of degrees.

In the present example, interlocking sections (12, 14) comprise anextruded plastic material. Of course, interlocking sections (12, 14) maybe formed of any other suitable material, and by any other suitableprocess. Respective ends (18, 20) of interlocking sections (12, 14) maybe secured together by any suitable technique, including but not limitedto a hot knife, hot glue, other adhesives, heat sealing, stitching, coldwelding, pressure bonding, hooks, tape, clamps, rivets, or any othersuitable technique or device.

It will be appreciated that zipper (10) is operable to seal bag (30). Inthe present example, such sealing occurs upon closure of zipper (10) byengagement of right interlocking section (12) with left interlockingsection (14). As used herein, the term “seal” and its variants shall beread to generally imply the prevention of at least a substantial portionmaterial (e.g., solids, gases, and/or liquids) from escaping or enteringthe container. However, such a “seal” need not per se be perfectly “airtight” or “water tight” as those phrases are commonly used andunderstood.

As shown in FIG. 2, right interlocking section (12) and leftinterlocking section (14) each have a pair of complimentary teeth (22)extending the length of the respective interlocking sections (12, 14).Of course, each interlocking section (12, 14) could have a single tooth(12), rather than a plurality of teeth (22). In the present example,closure of zipper (10) results from engagement of teeth (22), therebyeffecting a seal of bag (30). In left interlocking section (14), a hinge(24) is located adjacent teeth (22). It will be appreciated that hinge(24) may prevent inadvertent disengagement of teeth (22), such as byoutward separation of sides (32, 34) of bag (30) and/or interlockingsections (12, 14). Of course, right interlocking section (12) mayinclude a hinge (24) in addition to or as an alternative to leftinterlocking section (14) having hinge. Alternatively, any suitablealternative to hinge (24) may be used, including but not limited to nohinge (24) at all. Each interlocking section (12, 14) of the presentexample further comprises a flange region (11), which is adjacent teeth(22).

Engagement or disengagement of interlocking sections (12, 14) at teeth(22) may be effected or otherwise facilitated by a slider (16), which isshown in FIG. 1. Slider (16) is configured to slide longitudinally alongzipper (10) to bring interlocking sections (12, 14) together intoengagement or force interlocking sections (12, 14) apart fordisengagement, depending upon which direction slider (16) is slid.Sliders (16) are well known in the art, and any type of slider (16) maybe used. In one embodiment, slider (16) comprises a glider. In thepresent example, each interlocking section (12, 14) has a guide (13),with which slider (16) is engaged. Of course, slider (16) is optional,and any suitable alternative to slider (16) may be used, including butnot limited to no slider (16) at all.

As is also shown in FIG. 2, the outer surface of the right side (32) ofbag (30) is secured to the inner surface of right interlocking section(12) in flange region (11); while the outer surface of left side (34) ofbag (30) is secured to the inner surface of left interlocking section(14) in flange region (11). In another embodiment, sides (32, 34) of bag(30) are secured to the outer surfaces of respective interlockingsections (12, 14). Of course, sides (32, 34) may be secured tointerlocking sections (12, 14) in any other configuration. In yetanother embodiment, right side (32) of bag (30) and right interlockingsection (12) are a homogenous continuum of material (e.g., a singlepiece); and left side (34) of bag (30) and left interlocking section(14) are a homogenous continuum of material. Still other suitablerelative configurations of sides (32, 34) of bag (30) and interlockingsections (12, 14) of zipper (10) will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it may bedesirable to provide some kind of assurance or indication as to whethera zipper (10) has been previously opened. In other words, it may bedesirable to provide a device that is configured to show whether azipper (10) and/or bag (30) has been tampered with. As used herein, theterm “tamper evidence device,” including its variants, shall be read toinclude any feature, technique, and/or structure that is configured toprovide evidence or indication that a bag (30) has been opened orotherwise tampered with. As used herein, the term “tamper” and itsvariants shall be read to include, but need not be limited to, an act ofopening a bag (30) substantially or completely and/or gainingsubstantial or full access to its contents. Various exemplary devicesfor providing tamper evidence are shown in FIGS. 2-8. In these examples,the various tamper evidence devices include some type of seal that mustbe breached when the bag (30) is first opened completely (e.g., thefirst time complete access to the contents of bag (30) is gained). Itwill be appreciated, however, that the devices described hereafter aremerely exemplary, and that tamper evidence may be provided by a varietyof alternative devices. It will also be appreciated that the followingexamples and/or alternatives thereof may be used in isolation or incombination with one another. In addition, while tamper devicesdisclosed herein may provide tamper evidence, such devices may alsoprovide other functionality and benefits not explicitly discussedherein.

In FIG. 2, a membrane (26) is positioned adjacent each interlockingsection (12, 14). In the present example, membrane (26) comprises astrip of a plastic material. Alternatively, membrane (26) may compriseany other material or combination of materials, including but notlimited to fabric, paper, foil, metal, and the like. In one embodiment,membrane (26) comprises a substantially transparent material, while eachinterlocking section (12, 14) comprises a substantially opaque material.Of course, membrane (26), right interlocking section (12), and/or leftinterlocking section (14) may have any other property, including but notlimited to transparency, translucency, and/or opaqueness, colorvariations, including combinations thereof. In the present example, thewall thickness of membrane (26) is thinner than the wall thickness ofinterlocking sections (12, 14). Of course, membrane (26) mayalternatively be the same thickness as interlocking sections (12, 14) orthicker than interlocking sections (12, 14). Membrane (26) may besecured to interlocking sections (12, 14) or walls (32, 34) via anysuitable technique, including but not limited to heat-sealing,stitching, adhesives, press-sealing, cold welding, pressure bonding,double-sided tape, and the like. In another embodiment, membrane (26) isextruded with interlocking sections (12, 14), such that membrane (26)and interlocking sections (12, 14) comprise a homogenous continuum ofmaterial. In yet another embodiment, instead of being secured tointerlocking sections (12, 14), membrane (26) is secured to sides (32,34) of bag (30). In still another embodiment, membrane (26) is securedto interlocking sections (12, 14), and sides (32, 34) are secured tomembrane (26). Other suitable configurations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

Membrane (26) of the present example is configured such that, when bag(30) is first opened, membrane (26) must be broken, torn, or otherwisebreached in order to reach the contents of bag (30). Initial breach ofmembrane (26) may be facilitated by providing perforation (28) or otherweakened feature in membrane (26). In one embodiment, membrane (26)includes a central, longitudinal perforation (28) along its length. Inanother embodiment, membrane (26) includes a longitudinal perforationalong its junction each interlocking section (12, 14). In still anotherembodiment, membrane (26) includes a longitudinal perforation along itsjunction with side (32 and/or 34) of bag (30). In yet anotherembodiment, a string, tab, or the like may be pulled to rip membrane(26). Still other ways of facilitating breach of membrane (26) will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, interlocking sections (12, 14)include a plurality of intermittent spot seals (40). Spot seals (40)join right interlocking section (12) with left interlocking section(14). Spot seals (40) may be provided by any suitable technique,including but not limited to heat-sealing, ultrasonic stitching,adhesives, press-sealing, cold welding, pressure bonding, double-sidedtape, and the like. As shown, spot seals (40) are positioned below teeth(22) (i.e. between teeth (22) and bag (30)). However, it will beappreciated that spot seals (40) may be positioned above teeth (22)(“external”) in addition to or as an alternative to being positionedbelow teeth (22) (“internal”). Similarly, spot seals (40) may beprovided in bag (30). In the present example, when bag (30) is firstopened, spot seals (40) must be breached in order to gain full access tothe contents of bag (30). It will be appreciated that such breach may beaccomplished simply by pulling interlocking sections (12, 14) apart withsufficient force to break spot seals (40). In one embodiment, the spotseals (40) break without compromising the wall integrity of interlockingsections (12, 14). Of course, spot seals (40) need not comprise “spots”per se, and may comprise any suitable pattern, including but not limitedto a continuous, longitudinal weld line along the length of interlockingsections (12, 14) and/or sides (32, 34) of bag (30).

In addition to or as an alternative to having interlocking sections (12,14) comprising one or more tamper evidence devices, bag (30) maycomprise a tamper evidence device. One such device is shown in FIG. 4,which shows bag (30) having a plurality of intermittent seals (50). Inthis example, seal (50) joins the inner wall of right side (32) of bag(30) with the inner wall of right side (34) of bag (30). In the presentexample, the inner walls of right side (32) and left side (34) comprisea plastic material, and seal (50) is provided by heating the plasticmaterial. In another embodiment, seal (50) is provided by an adhesive,such as a glue. It will be appreciated that seal (50) may extendsubstantially the length of sides (32, 34). In yet another embodiment,seal (50) comprises a plurality of discrete spot seals (40). Thus, seal(50) may be considered a variation of spot seal (40), but the same isformed in bag (30) instead of the interlocking sections (12, 14). Stillother ways of providing seal (50) will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

Seal (50) may be provided along at least a substantial portion of thelength of bag (30), as a continuous line, as a pattern, as a brokenline, or in any other suitable configuration. It will also beappreciated that, where sides (32, 34) of bag comprise a plurality oflayers, seal (50) may join the innermost layers only, or the innermostlayers in addition to other layers of the plurality. As with membrane(26) and spot seals (40) in interlocking sections (12, 14), seal (50)may be breached the first time full access to contents of bag (30) isgained by pulling interlocking sections (12, 14) and/or sides (32, 34)of bag (30) apart with sufficient force. One advantage of seal (50) mayarise during the filling process. Bags (30) are often filled from thebottom after interlocking sections (12, 14) are affixed to the bag (30).The process of filling can introduce significant loads and couldcompromise a zipper (10) seal if the load is introduced directly.Intermediary seals (50) may absorb the filling load instead of zipper(10). While a few seals (50) may break, the rest of the seals (50) mayremain intact. Of course, seals (50) may be formed after a bag (30) isfilled.

Yet another embodiment of a tamper evidence device is shown in FIGS. 5and 6. In this embodiment, prior to being secured to bag (30), flangeregions (11) at the bottom of each interlocking section (12, 14) arejoined together along the length of interlocking sections (12, 14),resulting in a tack (60) being provided at the bottom of a “V”-likeconfiguration. Tack (60) may be effected by any suitable technique,including but not limited to heat sealing, spot welding, stitching(e.g., sewing, ultrasonic stitching, and the like), adhesives, or anyother technique. When tack (60) has been provided, interlocking sections(12, 14) are then folded as shown in FIG. 6, such that tack (60) ismoved upward, resulting flange regions (11) forming a “W”-likeconfiguration. In this “W”-like configuration, upturned portion (62) ofright interlocking section (12) is adjacent tack (60), as is upturnedportion (64) of left interlocking section (14). Upturned portion (62)defines right valley (66) with the remainder of right interlockingsection (12); while upturned portion (64) defines left valley (68) withthe remainder of left interlocking section (14). In the present example,sides (32, 34) of bag are secured to upturned portions (62, 64) ofinterlocking sections (12, 14). Such securing may be accomplished by anyof the aforementioned techniques, or any alternative technique. Ofcourse, sides (32, 34) may be alternatively secured to the remainder ofinterlocking sections (12, 14) (e.g., to the outside of interlockingsections (12, 14)). In any event, tack (60) and/or upturned portions(62, 64) of the present example must be breached upon initial access tocontents of bag (30), such that tack (60) and/or upturned portions (62,64) provide a tamper evidence device. It will be appreciated that tack(60) and/or any part(s) of upturned portions (62, 64) may be perforatedor otherwise weakened to facilitate such breach. It will also beappreciated that an adhesive, such as glue by way of example only, maybe applied in valleys (66, 68). Where an adhesive is applied in valleys(66, 68), upturned portions (62, 64) may be adhered to respective,adjacent interlocking section (12, 14) walls. Still other suitableconfigurations for an embodiment having tack (60) will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

Alternatively, interlocking sections (12, 14) may be extruded as asingle piece, either in the “V”-like configuration shown in FIG. 5, inthe “W”-like configuration shown in FIG. 6, or in any otherconfiguration. By way of example only, where interlocking sections (12,14) are extruded as a single piece, the unified interlocking sections(12, 14) may be joined to bag (30) in a manner similar to that shown inFIG. 6. In the region analogous to that where tack (60) would be ifinterlocking sections (12, 14) were not extruded as a single piece, aperforation or other weakening feature may be present to facilitateseparation of interlocking sections (12, 14). Of course, any othertechniques, features, and configurations may be used.

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, a tamper evidence device comprisesa drape (70). Drape (70) is positioned externally over the tops ofinterlocking sections (12, 14). Alternatively, drape (70) may bepositioned externally over slider (16) only. Drape (70) maylongitudinally extend along the entire length of interlocking sections(12, 14), or one or more portions thereof. Drape (70) may longitudinallyterminate adjacent to or proximate to slider (16), or may cover slider(16). Drape (70) may extend downwardly such that it terminates adjacentto interlocking sections (12, 14), such that it terminates adjacent tosides (32, 34) of bag (30), or combinations thereof. Drape (70) may besecured to interlocking sections (12, 14) and/or sides (32, 34) by anyof the aforementioned securing techniques or any alternative techniques.Other suitable configurations for drape (70) will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. By way of example only, drape (70) maycomprise tape, film, paper, combinations thereof, or any other suitablematerial(s). In the present example, drape (70) must be breached onorder to initially disengage teeth (22). Such breach may be facilitatedby one or more perforated regions in drape (70), by a string or tab thatmay be pulled to rip the drape (70), or by any other suitable structureor technique.

In addition to or as an alternative to having interlocking sections (12,14) and/or bag (30) comprise one or more tamper evidence devices, slider(16) may comprise a tamper evidence device. Such slider (16) devices mayprovide an initial resistance to movement of slider (16). As usedherein, particularly when referring to slider (16), the phrase “initialresistance” shall be understood to include a resistance encountered whenslider (16) is slid for the first time. Such initial resistance will begreater than the resistance encountered during subsequent movement ofslider (16). In other words, an initial resistance may provide anindividual with tactile feedback indicating whether the slider (16) hasbeen initially moved. The amount of initial resistance may be greatenough to prevent movement of slider (16) during general handling of thecontainer, but small enough to be overcome without causing substantialdamage to slider (16), interlocking sections (12, 14), and/or thecontainer. In certain embodiments, a tamper evidence device may providea relatively high resistance to initial movement of slider (16) (e.g.,relative to resistance encountered during subsequent movement of slider(16)), while not substantially affecting subsequent movement of slider(16).

FIG. 8 depicts slider (16) having a transverse opening (80) formedtherethrough. Opening (80) is also formed through interlocking sections(12, 14). In one embodiment, opening (80) is formed by the insertion ofa hot needle-like structure through slider (16) and adjacent portions ofinterlocking sections (12, 14) after slider (16) has been mounted tointerlocking sections (12, 14). In this embodiment, material adjacentopening (80) is slightly melted, resulting in slight deformation of theinterlocking sections (12, 14) adjacent to opening (80). It will beappreciated that such melting and deformation may provide an initialresistance to movement of slider (16). In other words, the melting anddeformation of material may provide a seal within opening (80), and thebreaking of such a seal will be required to move slider (16) for thefirst time. The breaking of the seal will provide the initialresistance, thereby indicating that slider (16) is being moved for thefirst time. In the present example, subsequent movement of slider (16)will not be substantially affected by opening (80) or themelting/deformation resulting from the formation of opening (80).

In another embodiment, similar melting/deformation is obtained by a theuse of a laser to form opening (80). Alternatively, any other source offocusable heat energy may be used to form opening (80) with melting-typedeformation.

In another embodiment, opening (80) is formed by a member having ahook-like structure at its end being inserted through slider (16) andpulled back through opening (80). Accordingly, the hook-like structurewill pass through adjacent portions of interlocking sections (12, 14) aswell. It will be appreciated that, during withdrawal of the hook-likestructure, the hook-like structure will pull material back throughopening (80), which will result in deformation of the material. Thepresence of this deformed material within opening (80) will provide aseal within opening (80) similar to the seal provided by insertion of ahot needle-like structure through slider (16). Accordingly, the breakingof the seal will provide the above-described initial resistance, therebyindicating that slider (16) is being moved for the first time.Subsequent movement of slider (16) will not be substantially affected byopening (80) or the pull-through deformation resulting from theformation of opening (80). While a hook-like structure has beendescribed for obtaining the pull-trough deformation, it will beappreciated that any other structure or technique may be used to effectpull-through and/or push-through deformation.

In yet another embodiment of the slider depicted in FIG. 8, a member isinserted into opening (80) to provide the initial resistance. In oneembodiment, the inserted member is breakable, such that the insertedmember is broken when slider (16) is first slid to disengage teeth (22).In this embodiment, this breaking will provide the initial resistance,while the member will not substantially affect subsequent movement ofslider. In another embodiment, the inserted member is removable, suchthat the inserted member must be removed before slider (16) may bemoved. In this embodiment, the inserted member and/or slider (16) may beconfigured such that once the inserted member is removed, it cannot bere-inserted. Other features and variations of an inserted member and/oropening (80) to provide a tamper evidence device will be apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art.

In still another embodiment, an adhesive is placed on slider (16) and/oron interlocking sections (12, 14) near slider (16). In this embodiment,the adhesive provides the initial resistance to movement of slider (16).The properties of the adhesive are such that, when slider (16) is movedwith sufficient force to break the seal or bond provided by theadhesive, damage to slider (16) and/or interlocking sections (12, 14)will not result. For instance, the adhesive may comprise a rubberyglue-like material. Other suitable adhesives for this embodiment andvariations thereof will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in theart.

In another embodiment, initial resistance to movement of slider (16) isprovided by sealing at least a portion of teeth (22) together. Forinstance, a longitudinal membrane may be used to join the tops ofinterlocking sections (12, 14) in the vertical region between teeth (22)and slider (16). This membrane and slider (16) may be configured suchthat movement of slider (16) is required to break the membrane. Beforeand during this breaking movement of slider (16), however, the membraneprovides resistance to movement of slider. In the present example, themembrane may be longitudinally perforated or otherwise weakened tofacilitate breaking of the membrane by slider (16). Alternatively, anadhesive may be used to join interlocking sections (12, 14) together inthe region between the teeth (22) slider (16). Such an adhesive mayprovide initial resistance, yet have no significant effect onperformance of slider (16) and/or zipper (10) during subsequent use.Still other membrane-slider or adhesive features, variations, andcombinations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

In still another embodiment, opening (80) is formed through interlockingsections (12, 14) proximate to slider (16), but not through slider (16).Such an opening (80) may be formed by any suitable technique, includingbut not limited to insertion of a hot needle-like structure, insertionof a hook-like structure, or any other technique. It will be appreciatedthat such an opening (80) formed through interlocking sections (12, 14)may provide features and advantages similar to those provided by havinga similar opening (80) formed through slider (16). Of course, there maybe additional advantages, which will be apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art.

While the foregoing tamper evidence devices have been described asproviding a way in which tampering may be detected, it will beappreciated that such devices may provide other uses as well. By way ofexample only, it will be appreciated that during the normal course ofhandling of a given container, for instance from the time it is filledto the time it reaches a shelf in a retail setting, the handling mayurge slider (16) to move, interlocking sections (12, 14) to separate, orlead to other potentially undesirable results. The foregoing tamperevidence devices may provide resistance to those and other results. Forinstance, and without limitation, an opening (80) formed through slider(16) and/or interlocking sections (12, 14) may prevent inadvertentmovement of slider (16) during handling.

Of course, the foregoing examples are merely illustrative, and are notintended to be limiting in any way.

Having shown and described various embodiments and concepts of theinvention, further adaptations of the methods and systems describedherein can be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one ofordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of theinvention. Several of such potential alternatives, modifications, andvariations have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings. Accordingly, theinvention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modificationsand variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structureand operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

1. A container system, comprising: (a) a container, comprising anopening defined by a first side wall and a second side wall, wherein thefirst side wall and the second side wall each have an inner surface andan outer surface, wherein the container comprises a paper material; (b)a zipper positioned at the container opening, the zipper comprising: (i)a first interlocking section having an inner surface, an outer surface,and one or more teeth adjacent the inner surface, and (ii) a secondinterlocking section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and oneor more teeth adjacent the inner surface,  wherein the zipper isoperable to selectively open and close a seal of the container openingupon engagement between the one or more teeth of the first interlockingsection and the one or more teeth of the second interlocking section,wherein the first interlocking section is secured to the first side wallwith an adhesive, wherein the second interlocking section is secured tothe second side wall with an adhesive.
 2. The container system of claim1, wherein the outer surface of the first side wall of the container issecured to the inner surface of the first interlocking section, whereinthe outer surface of the second side wall of the container is secured tothe inner surface of the second interlocking section.
 3. The containersystem of claim 1, wherein the first interlocking section is not securedto the first side wall with sewing, wherein the second interlockingsection is not secured to the second side wall with sewing.
 4. Thecontainer system of claim 1, further comprising a slider configured toengage and disengage the teeth of the first interlocking section and theteeth of the second interlocking section.
 5. The container system ofclaim 1, wherein the first and second interlocking sections eachcomprise a plastic material.
 6. The container system of claim 1, whereinthe container comprises a bag.
 7. The container system of claim 1,wherein the container comprises multiple layers of material, wherein atleast one of the layers comprises a heat-sealable material.
 8. Thecontainer system of claim 7, wherein the first and second interlockingsections are each secured to a paper layer of the container.
 9. Thecontainer system of claim 7, wherein the outermost layer of thecontainer comprises a paper material.
 10. The container system of claim1, wherein the adhesive is heat activated.
 11. A container system,comprising: (a) a container, comprising an opening defined by a firstside wall and a second side wall, wherein the first side wall and thesecond side wall each have an inner surface and an outer surface,wherein the container comprises a paper material; (b) a zipper securedto the container, the zipper comprising: (i) a first interlockingsection having an inner surface, an outer surface, one or more teethadjacent the inner surface, and a flange region, and (ii) a secondinterlocking section having an inner surface, an outer surface, one ormore teeth adjacent the inner surface, and a flange region, wherein theone or more teeth of the first interlocking section are configured toengage with the one or more teeth of the second interlocking section;and (c) a securing means for securing the first interlocking section tothe first side wall and the second interlocking section to the secondside wall, wherein the securing means is configured to prevent exogenousinfestation of the container between the interlocking sections and therespective side walls.
 12. The container system of claim 11, wherein theouter surface of the first side wall of the container is secured to theinner surface of the first interlocking section, wherein the outersurface of the second side wall of the container is secured to the innersurface of the second interlocking section.
 13. The container system ofclaim 11, wherein the container comprises a bag.
 14. A method of makinga container system, comprising: (a) providing a bag, wherein the bagcomprises an opening defined by a first side wall and a second sidewall, wherein the bag further comprises a paper material; (b) providinga first interlocking section and a second interlocking section, whereinthe first interlocking section has an inner surface, an outer surface,and one or more teeth adjacent the inner surface, wherein the secondinterlocking section has an inner surface, an outer surface, and one ormore teeth adjacent the inner surface; (c) securing the firstinterlocking section to the first side wall; (d) securing the secondinterlocking section to the second side wall; and (e) prohibitingexogenous infestation of the bag through permeation between theinterlocking sections and the respective side walls.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the result of prohibiting exogenous infestation of thebag is obtained by performing a step of applying an adhesive between theinterlocking sections and respective side walls.
 16. The method of claim15, wherein the adhesive is used to secure the interlocking sections tothe respective side walls.
 17. A container system, comprising: (a) acontainer, comprising an opening defined by a first side wall and asecond side wall, wherein the first side wall and the second side walleach have an inner surface and an outer surface; (b) a zipper positionedat the container opening, the zipper comprising: (i) a firstinterlocking section having an inner surface, an outer surface, and oneor more teeth adjacent the inner surface, and (ii) a second interlockingsection having an inner surface, an outer surface, and one or more teethadjacent the inner surface, wherein the zipper is operable toselectively open and close a seal of the container opening uponengagement between the one or more teeth of the first interlockingsection and the one or more teeth of the second interlocking section,wherein the first interlocking section is secured to the first side wallwith sewing, wherein the second interlocking section is secured to thesecond side wall with sewing, wherein the zipper comprises a plasticmaterial.
 18. The container system of claim 17, wherein the containerhas a heat-sealable ply, wherein heat is applied to at least a portionof the heat-sealable ply of the container.
 19. The container system ofclaim 17, further comprising: (a) adding an adhesive between the firstinterlocking section and the first side wall; and (b) adding an adhesivebetween the second interlocking section and the second side wall. 20.The container system of claim 17, wherein the container comprises agusseted bag, the method further comprising sealing portions of thegussets of the bag.